Advisor Youth Employment in fragile contexts (F/M/D) 80%

HELVETAS is an organization specialised in development cooperation and humanitarian response, anchored in Switzerland. Our vision is a just world in which all people determine the course of their lives in dignity and security, using environmental resources in a sustainable manner.

For our Skills, Jobs and Income team based in Zurich and Bern we are looking for a result-oriented and dynamic individual to join our organization as per May 1st, 2024 or upon agreement.

The Skills, Jobs and Income team provides advisory services to Helvetas programmes and to external clients. The thematic fields in this working area focus on vocational education and training, private sector development, financial inclusion, and basic education.

Helvetas implements youth employment promotion programs in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe. The Market Systems Development (MSD) approach that creates business opportunities and skills that help poor and disadvantaged people gain access to jobs and a higher and more secure income, is key to our work.

The advisor will support both Helvetas projects as well as external clients, with his/her thematic expertise in the following areas:

• Skills development, youth employment promotion and private sector development, mainly in humanitarian contexts
• Economic re-integration of refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) in protracted crises and displacement settings
• Business Development for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), mainly in humanitarian contexts
• Expertise in green and just transition and digitalisation is an asset

YOUR MAIN TASKS

• Provide technical and strategic advice to Helvetas projects in the partner countries in key moments (planning of new projects or phases, reviews and evaluations)
• Manage advisory mandates on the above topics from external clients
• Contribute to and coordinate acquisition processes, including proposal writing
• Maintain client and partner contacts related to the working area for collaboration
• Coaching and capacity development activities for internal and external clients
• Contribute to the development of the Skills, Jobs, Income portfolio in humanitarian contexts, foster knowledge sharing in the organization and represent the organization in external networks

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

• An academic degree (MSc level) in economics, international relations, or in a related field or a BSc degree with experience and additional relevant education
• Excellent knowledge of and experience in topics related to youth employment (e.g. skills development, MSME development, entrepreneurship)
• At least four years of experience in development cooperation with assignments in humanitarian contexts
• An adequate combination of assignments in the South / East and short- term consultancies for different clients
• Excellent advisory and coaching skills, knowledge on capacity development of local organizations
• Experience in acquisition and in developing project proposals for different donors (including for humanitarian donors)
• Strong analytical and conceptual competences
• Good intercultural skills and understanding of gender and social equity issues
• Excellent written and spoken French and English. Fluency in German or any other language is an additional asset.
• Readiness to travel frequently, including in humanitarian contexts

OUR OFFER

We offer you an interesting opportunity in a motivated team with attractive working conditions. You can expect working in a multicultural setting at the centre of Zurich or Bern (both locations close to the train station) with opportunities to travel to our partner countries.

We look forward to receiving your complete application including motivation letter, work certificates and diplomas by March 3, 2024. Please submit your application via our online recruiting portal.

For additional information please contact Sabrina Würmli, Head Skills, Jobs and Income, +41 31 385 10 34 or visit our website www.helvetas.org.